Danish Dough Spirals – Rollos de pasta danesa

Danish Dough Spirals – Rollos de pasta danesa

Danish dough is a very versatile medium to create all sorts of pastries, both savoury and sweet.  Although in Denmark this type of pastries are called Vienna Bread (wienerbrød), since Austrian bakers introduced them there in the 1840s, they became popular worldwide as Danish pastries.   French and other European bakers established in Mexico, started creating these pastries a few decades later, and nowadays, pasta danesa (Danish dough) is used in several traditional types of pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread), such as the classic rollos (spirals or rolls) shown above, with a dollop of jam, or raisins ... click on title for more

Hojaldras – Flaky Buns

Hojaldras – Flaky Buns

In Central Mexico, and especially in Mexico City, these old-fashioned buns may still be found at bakeries (panaderías).  They are generically known as hojaldras (layered), usually called the same when filled with cooked shredded chicken and red mole, and known as Marinas when filled with slices of ham and cheese ... click on title for more 

Guerrero Style “Stuffing” – Relleno

Guerrero Style “Stuffing” – Relleno

Although this preparation is called relleno (literally, stuffing), and is traditional during the Christmas season in the Mexican state of Guerrero, this delicious pork dish stands on its own as a main dish any time of the year.  Guerrerenses often enjoy it on Sundays, after church, or while watching a sports game, popularly stuffed in a crusty bun (hence the name), topped with a piece of crispy skin from the pork, and pickled jalapeños ... click on title for more

Alcohol-Free Fruitcake

Alcohol-Free Fruitcake

The classic aged Christmas fruitcake is kept moist by brushing rum or brandy all around the baked cake every day, for about one month.  Some people do not like the texture of this cake, others cannot tolerate alcohol, and forgetting to bake the cake soon enough for it to be ready for Christmas might be a problem, as well.  This version is light both in colour and texture, and is completely alcohol-free, so there is no waiting time after baking ... click on title for more

Pork in Red Sauce – Asado Rojo

Pork in Red Sauce – Asado Rojo

"Asado"  translates from Spanish as "roasted"; this dish probably got that denomination from being cooked traditionally over an open wood fire.  Now also cooked over the stove, it could receive a promotion to stew, with its generous chunks of pork, in a rich red sauce (as the name indicates, by rojo).  Several of Mexico's Northern states have their own versions; this recipe is based on the state of Durango's seasonings, which include a variety of dried red peppers, spices, and an acidic accent, traditionally achieved by adding orange juice or vinegar ... click on title for more